Washington Must Win Game 6 to Force Game 7 in Boston

On Friday, Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals best of seven series will tip from the nation’s capital at the Verizon Center when the Washington Wizards host the Boston Celtics.

The current line has Washington favored by 5 points with the over/under point total on 216. Boston currently leads the series 3-2.

Boston is closing in on a return to the Eastern Conference finals yet still has to prove it can win away from home during this round. Boston lost its two prior road games against Washington and looks for a clinching victory on Friday.

Washington focused its defense in Game 5 on Boston high scorer Isaiah Thomas, but other Boston players stepped up and scored while Thomas set screens to free his teammates for better shots.

While Thomas was busy setting screens, Avery Bradley scored 25 of his 29 points during the first half as the Celtics ran out to a huge halftime lead. Bradley not only played well offensively, but was able to come up with big stops on defense.

Bradley made 12 of his 19 shots from the field after scoring a total of just 12 points in Games 3 and 4.

Washington had strong momentum entering Game 5 after winning Games 3 and 4 at home by a combined 46 points, but could shoot just 38.4% from the field during Game 5 while the Celtics hit nearly 53% of their shots.

Washington head coach Scott Brooks said focus or in Game 5 a lack of focus was the team’s downfall. Guards Bojan Bogdanovic and Bradley Beal combined to hit 8 of their 26 shots, including just 1 of 8 from 3-point territory.

While Boston and Washington battles in this semifinal series, Cleveland is resting awaiting the winner after having swept its semifinals series against Toronto.

Boston center Al Horford has shot 69% from the field and 59% from 3-point territory during this series.

Wizards point guard John Wall dished out just 4 assists during Game 5, the lowest total he has had during the current postseason.

Boston is 7-2 ATS in its past 9 games played.

Washington is 5-11 ATS in its past 16 games after a loss ATS.

Prediction: The Celtics have been playing very well at home but on the road have not proven themselves in this series. Lean here toward the home team Wizards to cover the number.